All Black Everything!

February 22nd, 2013

As you may have picked up from our WIWT features, I’ve been on an all-black kick for a couple months now.

I think it’s a winter thing, or an NYC thing. Either way, it seems that as American #menswear has become more and more European-influenced, guys have been shying away from black in exchange for browns, blues and lighter shades.

Thing is, black is so powerful. It’s classy, edgy, and intriguing, all at the same time. Black can make even the most sophisticated clothing look tough and gritty.

Here’s three looks that I hope will inspire you to get some black-on-black in your rotation.

1. Casually Tailored

Mixing tailored and casual pieces is a big part of my style, and often a theme on Articles of Style.

3. Villain Formal

When everybody’s wearing the old-school white shirt and bowtie, stand out from the crowd in a black turtleneck under a badass dinner jacket.

The secret here is that this mock-neck “sweater” is actually a spandex-blend workout piece with Uniqlo’s “heattech technology”, probably meant for jogging outdoors.

Ironically, the fitted torso and fabric sheen make it look formal. It’s also super comfortable and keeps you cool and dry – perfect for a long night of drinking and dancing. Who knew a $9 shirt that comes in a ziplock bag could be so versatile?

Also, don’t forget the cummerbund! Even if you’re not wearing a traditional dinner shirt, it’s a sleek way to keep the waistline/gut in check.

Black plain-toe loafs are a great investment.

A pair like this can be worn for formal events, to the office, or on the weekend.

The Paul Smith boots are sick, i see you wearing them in a few posts, but cant find them anywhere! Any ideas? Keep doing what you do , this is the only website I stay up on..

Dex

Hey Dan,

Any tips for cheap watches similar to your MontBlanc? It’s sweet but pretty steep for a college senior like me.

Thanks.

Chris

Hey Dan – long time reader, first time poster. Typically, I try to avoid black, even in winter months. I loved your posts on down vests, especially the burgundy coloured vest. I’ve been using these as layers under suit jackets, over jean jackets, etc and trying to limit the amount of time I wear my ‘boring’ black pea coat.

While I like the first two looks, I think the last look is a bit much. Is it just me or do the ‘lapels’ (I’m not sure if this is the correct term) on the tux look too pronounced? I love suits with a lapel with the width of 1.5-2″, so perhaps that’s my bias.

My 0.02 as always. Keep inspiring men everywhere with you and your team’s work.

-Chris

Don Pierre

Post 3: #DressToKill #Epic

http://littlerosetrove.blogspot.com/ Elissa

Excellent. Folk think they can’t wear all black because it’s “boring,” but it’s a simple matter of varying the textures as you stated. I’d personally have fun using this concept with other colors too, not just full black–although black is a safe zone to experiment first (if that made sense).

Never would’ve guessed the shirt in look #3 was a workout piece. Creative.

Kevin

This post was made for me. I wore a lot of dark colors in high school (not because I was in any sort of cliche, I just wore that), so I have so many black basic items. It actually worked out for me because black is a fantastic base to build from. You can either mix and match blacks (like this), or you can make that “pop of color” really jump out.

I also really liked the monochromatic post you did a while ago, because if I wasn’t wearing blacks, I was wearing browns and blues. My wardrobe has diversified greatly since then, but it’s good to know my simpler tastes won’t go to waste.

Rory

You can’t beat black. It is badass.

Brady

I have always loved the richness and sophistication of black, but I just don’t feel comfortable/confident in it. Stems from my lack of black footwear, which I can never seem to buy, black shoes just always look too strong for me. Now those black loafers have a more laid back vibe. Could be just the piece I need to get me “back in black” haha. Another killer post, great inspiration Dan!

http://tsbmen.com Alex Crawford

I am in the exact same boat. Working with Dan and shooting this post has got me rethinking black. Now I’m on the prowl for some inexpensive black chelsea boots.

http://theguyinmilano.blogspot.it/ stefano

MI PIACE MOLTO I TOTAL BLACK

Paul

This is totally making me rethink black. Great job at showing the subtle shifts in tone and texture!

http://www.dressedbycc.com CC

Dan,

You’re continuing to crush it. I love it. Please drop me an email, I run a bespoke shop in Boston and would love to do something together real soon.

In look no 1: is it ok to put a db coat on top of a db jacket? Aren’t there too many layers around the waist?

http://tsbmen.com Dan Trepanier

Yup. Not in my opinion – they’re both cut fairly trim.

Kiel

Look #2 is so awesome. I always save the pics when you wear that lightweight topcoat. I really like it! In my head, the concept seems so strange—is it like a dark lab coat? Isn’t it silly looking? Feminine? But no, it clearly works really well.

http://tsbmen.com Dan Trepanier

haha thanks Kiel. One of my favorite pieces, I have the same one in navy.

I couldn’t find the toggle-button for the jacket (as describe here) so I just tied it with a silver chain.

Cheers.

http://undefined TimL

Ha, based on your previous posts, I wore all black today.
Black suit, dress shirt,sweater vest,shoes, sox, undies and overcoat.
If I had a guitar people would call me Johnny Cash (I’m alot younger-btw).

I love the casual look.
I like wearing black sweaters with faded jeans and boots and my peacoat. Great look.